January 29, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions January & Friday 5 (or 6)

It’s that time again. The last Friday of the month. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

1. I runfess…

You how they say don’t go to the grocery store when you’re hungry. Well, don’t go to Target after a long run when you are half frozen.

puffer jacket with hood

Well, at least it was on clearance and I had a cartwheel coupon.

2. I runfess…

Remember how I said I loved my FitBit because it made me walk more. I used to try to get to 10,000 steps everyday.

last week

Well, the newness has worn off and now I pretty much only get 10,000 steps when I do a long run (like on Sat.). I even forgot to put it on on Sunday but I didn’t move much anyway.

3. I runfess…

After all those holiday parties and Christmas cookies, I vowed to cut back and eat healthier (and save $) in January. Besides when I go to Florida in a week, there will be a lot of eating and drinking going on with friends (and I will be going all out.)

monthly tennis ladies night out

I went out to dinner this past week three nights in a row. My bad.

4. I runfess…

I work several Saturdays during the year proctoring law school entrance exams. Though I hate to work 6 days a week, I justify it by using this extra money for race entry fees.

Dates for 2015-16:

December 5, 2015 – EAU Palm Beach Half weekend
February 6, 2016 – Sarasota Music Half weekend
June 6, 2016.
September 24, 2016.
December 3, 2016

I just signed up for a fall half marathon.

Guess when? Yup. September 24, 2016. At least, I had a 10% coupon code.

5. I runfess…

I have gotten spoiled by either running a race or having a running partner for part of all my long runs. Thanks Judy!

This part Saturday was no exception. I ran 6 miles by myself then Judy came to run the final 6 with me. I usually run slower the second half of my runs so it works out fine. However, it was so cold and windy and we were running uphill that I couldn’t hold the slower pace. I wound up running the last 3 miles by myself. Sorry Judy!

I looked back at one point and couldn’t see Judy.

And for extra measure…

6. I runfess…
I can’t wait to leave the frigid Northeast and run in Florida. I am excited for my half marathon…

new Nike shoes & skirt & top from SkirtSports

or maybe it’s because I want to wear my latest running purchases? (Yes, Sunshine State, please warm up!)

Since it is also Friday, I am linking up with the three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC for their Friday Five linkup.

Happy Running! Anything to Runfess?

January 28, 2016 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday – Caffeine and Sunshine

So I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

Here’s what I’m thinking today…

CAFFEINE…

In August 2013, I decided to give up alcohol and caffeine. Crazy, right?

The story is that I am a terrible sleeper – it’s has to be dark, quiet, comfortable & I need a book. Even then, I sometimes can’t sleep. Somewhere I read that it would help to eliminate caffeine and alcohol.

It was really difficult to give up coffee. I LOVE COFFEE.

Then there’s energy gels. Most have caffeine, right? So I had to limit myself to rootbeer & peanut butter GUs.

Did my running suffer? Not that I noticed.

Did my sleeping improve?? Hard to say. Sometimes yes and sometimes no.

Little by little, I have been cheating by having decaf Starbucks lattes and an occasional glass of wine or mixed drink. I have even bought salted caramel and caramel macchiato GUs.

But for some reason, this week I have been feeling the need for CAFFEINE!!! I mean like I crave it. I feel so sluggish at work.

So twice, I’ve gone to Starbucks and bought a Flat White. (Today could make it 3 times.)

It was great. I started to feel better and I felt so much more energetic after work. And I had great runs.

Am I going back to caffeine?

Not yet… but maybe soon.

I NEED SUNSHINE!!!

Maybe it’s not the caffeine that I need but the sun!! It’s been cloudy for weeks and even if it is sunny, I work inside and it’s dark when I go out to run.

I went for a short walk today…because the sky was blue and the sun was out. It was cold and windy but you can’t have everything.

And then after work when I run, it will look like above ….dark!! But at least I did get to feel the sun on my face for a few moments today.

ONE WEEK!

Yes, one week from day, I will be flying to Florida!! It’s too soon to trust the weather forecasts.

half marathon on Feb 7.

I am just hoping for SUNSHINE!!

Happy Running! What are you thinking about today?

January 27, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Being an Optimistic Runner

Every Wednesday, the Deb from Deb Runs will be providing a word about which to blog. Kind of like a nice little blog prompt. Posts can be fitness or health related, but don’t have to be, so really anyone can play along. Just be sure to link up with InLinkz on Deb’s main post, and share the love by reading and commenting on other’s participant’s posts.

This week’s Word is Optimism.

Optimism is defined as “hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something” or this definition which I like better:

For the most part, I think runners are optimists. We wouldn’t be out there day after day if we weren’t.

As runners, how can we be more optimistic?

Take risks.

Run in a place where you’ve never run before. Don’t use excuses such as “I may get lost,” “I’m not good on hills, “It’s too far,” “Trails are too hard,”I’m too slow to run with them,” “Tracks are boring,”etc. Take a chance. This new place could become your new favorite route. An optimistic runner will seize new opportunities with an open mind.

Don’t be afraid to fail.

Sign up for a new distance. Join a running group. Try a new race. You never know how you’ll do until you try. Running is hard. So yes, you may fail. An optimistic runner will try and expect to cross that finish line.

Focus on the positive in a run or race.

Runners will have bad runs. There will be awful races. We will get injured. But an optimistic runner will see value in each running experience and is able find something positive:

-I ran my fastest mile
-I didn’t get injured
-I crossed the finish line
-It was faster than my last race
-I had negative splits
-I ran at an even pace
-I ran up the hills
-I did it inspite of….
-I had fun
-I made a new friend
-Great bling.
-Pretty course

Make new goals.

Don’t give up if you don’t succeed. You’re not too slow.Maybe the course was hard. Maybe the weather was the culprit. If you didn’t meet your goal, just sign up for another race. Keep trying.

Am I an optimistic runner?

Sometimes I am not. I whine about how I wish I could run faster. I complain that I didn’t have the race time that I wanted. I sulk when my training runs suck. I don’t like to run when it’s too cold, too hot, too humid, too windy, etc. I hate the treadmill. Blah blah blah.

So this post is therapeutic.

I have a half marathon in 11 days!!

I am going to be an optimist:

I will have fun.
I will enjoy the beautiful course.
I will cross the finish line with smile.
I will give it my best shot.
If it is not up to my expectations, I will still look at its positive outcomes.
I will continue running half marathons as long as I can.

this race is going to be a blast!!

Happy Running! Are you an optimist?

January 26, 2016 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Oldies but Goodies

with Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

race_697_photo_14832070

This week’s topic is Running oldies but goodies. Gear you’d buy all over again.

I haven’t been running for that long – only seriously since 2010 but here’s my list (Sorry if you have heard it all before):

My Garmin 205 Watch

I bought it in 2011 right before my first half marathon. Back then 305/205 was the norm and now runners look and laugh at its size. I still love it because it shows everything I want on ONE screen. I don’t have to hit any buttons. I’ll be sad when it kicks the bucket.

bazu-7540403

My SpiBelt

After breaking my ankle and not having my phone on me, I vowed to always carry it, no matter what. That’s where my SpiBelt comes in handy. It fits my phone, even my new iphone 6s. And for races, no more trying to get your bib pinned on straight. It has hangers to attach my bib to it.

no belt

better, right?

Compression Socks

I wore my first pair for my first half in 2011 and I haven’t looked back since. I think they have helped my legs recover better but I don’t want to not wear them to find out.

stock3

I have since switched to compression sleeves when it is warm & humid to combat the blister issue.

Eau Palm Beach Half

Champion Brand jackets & tights & more…

I don’t like to spend a lot on running gear unless I have to. These you can buy at Target and they have served me well.

I have this jacket in 3 colors – cheap, comfortable & warm enough. Same with their tights.

HMRRC 7K

Polar Cap 2015

Happy Running! What running items would you buy all over again?

January 25, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Had the day off from work so it would have been nice to go for a run but it was so windy and COLD!! Instead, I went to the dentist, did some errands and played tennis in the evening.

Tuesday – Took my morning walk around work. I intended to run outside but the wind turned me into a wuss. I ran 4 miles on the treadmill instead and then met my BFF for a movie (Carol).

2 episodes of Modern Family

Wednesday – A short run after work before yoga. Cold but not as windy as Monday & Tuesday.

photos when Lisa was the teacher. Now I have Maria.

Thursday – Another after work run. It was cold and windier than Wednesday but I just couldn’t face the treadmill.
Friday – Rest day and an evening of mah jongg.
Saturday – The dreaded 12 mile long run. Today was the day! And the snowstorm hit south and missed us. YAY!!! I like to pick a new location for each of my runs so I chose Colonie Town Park. Judy was again nice enough to keep me company on my last 6 miles. And it was freezing but we survived.

Challenge Yourself Virtual 10K race

Sunday – Rest Day. Did a whole bunch of cooking!! Finished my scarf. Finished my puzzle. Watched ice skating on TV. Yes, I stayed home which I NEVER do.

22.5 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (2 weeks until Half Marathon #17 )

Monday – 4 mile run after work
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run, dinner out with tennis ladies
Thursday – 4 mile run, dinner out with a co-worker
Friday – rest, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday -rest, hair appt
Sunday – HMRRC #5 – 10 mile race

I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races ?

January 24, 2016 by Darlene

Challenge Yourself Virtual 10K Race Recap

I am excited to be a Running on the Wall race ambassador and yesterday, I participated in the Challenge Yourself Virtual 10K.

Normally I run races every weekend. But in the NE during the winter months, there are very few scheduled.

I would have to just run for myself. But this was so much more motivating.

What I like about virtual races it that they help me push myself just a bit more and this race did just that.

It was not as fast as a real race but definitely better than if I was just running on my own.

What is even cooler is the nice race bling they send you. I got a bib, a medal, a tank top, the bib, a car magnet and either choose a runners hat or arm sleeves. (I chose the arm sleeves since I don’t have any besides the DIY ones made from cheap socks.)

And the tank top, it is light weight and perfect for me! It is one I will be proud and comfortable wearing to remind myself: “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” Yes, running is hard and it’s supposed to be hard.

Since I had planned to do my long run of 12 miles yesterday, I decided that it would be a good day to run the Challenge Yourself Virtual 10k Race.

The snowstorm hit south of us so we didn’t get a single flake but what we did get was COLD temps and wind.

It was 16 degrees when I arrived to start my race but in the single digits with the windchill. I did dress for these frigid temps and the only thing that was cold were my fingers because I kept taking off my gloves to take photos.

I started my race by running 2 miles around Colonie Town Park. I have run here before and it’s where the Mohawk Hudson Hal Marathon starts.

There’s lots of trails but I kept running into ice and turning around.

The park is on the Mohawk River which looks to be frozen.

Heading out of the park, you run under a covered bridge.

Next I ran on the path toward the Nisky Bike Path where I run many of my long runs.

It was mostly clear but every now and then there were snowy patches. Luckily, it was just snow not ice.

To get to the Nisky bike path, you had to run on the road.

this bridge is on the highway along the Mohawk River

you had to be careful because you couldn’t see cars coming around the curve

Finally I arrived at the entrance of the bike path.

Here there were quite a few snowy patches but they were not slippery.

a view of the Mohawk River in the distance

After 2 miles on this route, I turned around.

I have a really bad sense of direction and made a left when I should have made a right so had to back track. (Good news is that it gave me the .2 miles that I would have needed.)

back to the path leading to my car

I was very happy to arrive at my car and thaw out.

10K completed!

Time: 1:07:55

One of my slower 10Ks but I am happy!

I can’t wait to do another Running on the Wall race!

thumbs up to Running on the Wall Virtual Races

Happy Running! Do you like virtual races? Why or why not?

January 23, 2016 by Darlene

Phew! It Missed Us!

Snow is pretty. Don’t get me wrong. I love to LOOK at it.

my driveway during a previous snowstorm

But I panic when I have a long run scheduled and a snowstorm is forecast.

I bought this flag in Florida (because of the cats)

What would I had done?

YakTrax to the rescue.

I don’t love to run in them but I would have had it snowed.

Find a clear path and run multiple loops.

one of my favorite places to run (from a previous winter)

Again not an ideal for a long run but doable.

Run in the road.

Sidewalks are never consistently shoveled. You have to be wary of cars but it would be the only place to cover those miles.

Run slowly and carefully.

What would I have NOT done?

Run on the Treadmill

nothing I could do would make 12 miles bearable

Skip it!

a long run when you have a half marathon in TWO weeks!

But the storm hit south of us. Hip Hip Hooray!

My pleasant challenge was to choose a new location to run. I’ve run on the Delmar Rail Trail, Corning Bike Path and the Nisky Bike Path. So I decided on Colonie Town Park which also includes a bike path.

We didn’t get any snow but boy was it cold!!! 16 degrees when I arrived but in the single digits with the windchill.

First I ran 6.2 miles as part of the Challenge Yourself Virtual 10k Race.

I’ll recap it in my race report tomorrow but basically I ran around the park for 2 miles and then toward the Nisky bike path for 2 more and then turned around (made a wrong turn) and finally finished with 2.2 miles back to my car.

I took a lot of pics and my fingers were numb but otherwise I survived the frigid temps.

wearing my $.01 SmartWool compression calf sleeves – love them! and my new shoes – love them too!

Again I was lucky that Judy agreed to keep me company on my last 6 miles.

We ran in the opposite direction on the bike path heading toward Cohoes for 3 miles and then turned around (uphill on the way back 😦 )

I was too cold now to take many pics. When we started out, we took it very slow since there were several icy patches on the path.

Luckily the path became clearer for the rest of our run but the wind picked up..Brrrr!

I ran with Judy for the first 3 miles. It was nice to run and have someone to talk to. It made the miles go by faster.

However, on the way back, it uphill and windy. I had a hard time running at her speed so I didn’t. I just ran ahead and stopped and waited for her several times and then ran ahead again.

This was too funny. Either it meant that we didn’t get snow or that we didn’t freeze to death.

Both were true.

If it were summertime, I would have stopped at Guptills for an ice cream cone. Instead, I stopped at Target for a Starbucks hot mocha and to pick up a few food items but as usual spend over $200.

I also stopped at Norstrom Rack to buy another pair of those penny smartwool compression calf sleeves.

12 miles today!! So my last long run is done!!! Two weeks until the BIG DAY!!

smhm16

Happy Running! Did you get hit with the snowstorm? How do you cope with running in the snow or cold?

January 22, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: Why 13.1?

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC to host the Friday Five linkup. Anyone can join with their own Friday Five post (yes, it must be a Friday Five!!) They encourage you to visit other blogs on the linkup, comment, share and engage!

start

My “free” topic for this Friday is Why Run Half Marathons.

It motivates you to get out the door to run several times each week and makes you increase your miles.

Before I started running half marathons, I skipped runs and sometimes I only ran for a mile or 2. Even without running much, I was able to complete a 5K race. Once I got committed to running 13.1, I ran more consistently and I followed a plan to increase my miles on the weekend gradually to 12 miles.

2. It gives you an excuse to plan a vacation around a race.

I most likely am not going to spent the money to fly somewhere to run a 5k but for a half marathon, yes, I would!! About half of my halfs have been part of vacations or “race-cations” as you can call them. I can travel, visit friends and run a race, all in the same trip. Wherever you want to go, you can find a half marathon there.

running with a good friend’s sister in CA

3. It is hard and it gives you tremendous satisfaction when you finish.

It should get easier but it doesn’t for me. Still after having completed 16 half marathons, I can”t believe that I’ve done it. Run 13.1 Miles!!! I feel like a rockstar every single time.

my first and I thought then it would be my only one

4. You get a medal.

Yes, most half marathons give you a medal. Why not? You deserve it! Who doesn’t love getting bling!!

Walkway Half Marathon

5. You don’t have to be fast.

For me, finishing a half marathon is winning. Everyone runs at their own pace. There will be runner faster and runners slower. Runners younger and runners older. Anyone who wants to complete a half marathon, I think can.

My slowest – I was recovering from a strained Achilles so I walked the last 6 miles.

And in 2 weeks, I will be running another half marathon. And I’m excited!!

Happy Running! What do you like about Half Marathons?

January 21, 2016 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: Winter, Shoes, Photos and more

Since it is Thursday, I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

Here’s what I am thinking about today:

How cold is too cold?

I pride myself is not being a wuss. If it’s cold, I run outside. It’s basically because I hate the treadmill and I’ve never had a good run on it.

So I check the weather and keep my fingers crossed that it is warmer as the day goes on and that the wind dies down when it gets dark.

So far, I”ve been able to run outside almost all the time. But then again, we have not gotten any snow..yet!

When it is raining or icy, I draw the line. I won’t run in it!!

What conditions force you to skip a run or stay indoors?

New shoes.

I haven’t bought a pair since September. So I needed a new pair. Not really, since I alternate my shoes and have quite a few pairs.

But won’t I run better in my half marathon in a few weeks in a new pair of running shoes?

Besides, they were a good deal!

How often do yo buy running shoes?

Packing for a trip

I started packing for my trip to Florida. I mean, I gathered together everything I need for my race. That’s the most important, right?

I”ll probably have to throw in a pair or shorts, capris and bathing suit. I’m not worried about those items.

Running Photos should be FREE!

I hate to pay for photos. Every now and then, they are free and I think that’s great.

Register for The Biggest Loser RunWalk at www.biggestloser.com/runwalk

free!

Unfortunately some of my best photos are not.

not free

Do you buy your race photos?

I have splurged and bought the photo for an important race.

Happy Running! What are your thoughts today?

January 20, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word – Qualities of a Runner

This week’s Word is Quality

or according the dictionary “a distinctive characteristic possessed by someone.”

Well, for runners, there are several important ones:

Confidence.

We runners may not have started out confident. And we may not be confident all the time. But if we didn’t have the confidence to start running, then we never would have. With each step, we become more confident. We enter 5ks and then 10ks. Eventually we may become confident enough to run a half marathon. Some of us even attempt marathons and ultras. When we lose our confidence is when we have problems. (90% of running is mental so they say.)

Sense of humor.

This means rolling with the punches and not sweating the small stuff. Let’s face it, sometimes running sucks. Sometimes it’s cold or too hot or raining. Sometimes we forget to pack our socks. Sometimes we are off pace. Sometimes we have intestinal issues or chafing. A sense of humor comes in handy in all these situations! There is always tomorrow, and after all, not every run is going to be a good one. Knowing that things happen that are out of our control, helps us to stay focused, laugh it off, and move on.

Commitment.

In running, you must be committed. You get out of running what you put into running. In theory, if you do those drills and weekly training runs, you will get stronger and/or faster.

Consistency.

Consistency is key to any workout routine. If you want to be a better runner, you need to establish a routine and avoid deviating too much from it. We all know what happens when we skip runs and let our training slide … poor results or even worse, an injury.

Flexibility.

Runners need to go with the flow, and often. Maybe you were looking to do your long run on Saturday and now realize you can’t. It may be the weather or work or family obligations. Maybe you planned to run 10 miles but only have time for five. Runners need to be flexible for many reasons. I could go on and on about this because often it is frustrating.

Enthusiasm.

Being an enthusiastic runner is contagious! If you’re enthusiastic, you will inspire those around you to embrace running. It feels great when someone says that they started running “because of you.”

Happy Running! Any other qualities of a runner that you can add?